Rheumatoid arthritis treatment: Ways to ease pain and symptoms in the knee, hip and hands

RHEUMATOID arthritis is a condition that causes swelling and stiffness in the joints, particularly in the knee, hip and hands. Here are five natural treatment methods you can use to try ease the pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects around 10 million people in the UK, including 15,000 children and young people.

It can cause problems in any joint in the body, but small joints in the hands and feet are often the first to be affected.Pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth and redness are the main symptoms, but additional symptoms can include tiredness and a lack of energy, a high temperature, sweating, a poor appetite and weight loss.Unfortunately there’s no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but treatment can help reduce inflammation.

A group of experts have listed the best natural ways to aid your arthritis, from a change in your diet to hot and cold therapy.

High fibre diet

Researchers have now discovered that a diet rich in fibre can have a positive influence on arthritis, which can lead to stronger bones and joints.

Alix Woods, Nutritionist at Quest Nutra Pharma, said: “Having a high fibre diet supports healthy digestion and the absorption of nutrients, which is essential for optimum bone health. Through the process of digestion, dietary fibre ‘feeds’ the intestinal bacteria and it produces specific short-chained fatty acids. These by-products result from the fermentation of fibres from healthy whole foods.

“They have an anti-inflammatory effect on the whole body and are found in joint fluid and bone cells, which contributes to healthy bones and joints. This particular bacteria is essential for the absorption of the bone building vitamins and minerals like, calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D. It’s therefore essential to have a fibre rich diet to maintain overall bone mass and health.

Alex added: “Remember to keep skins on fruits and vegetables for added fibre – especially when having a baked potato or a fruit snack like an apple or pear. Nuts like pecans, walnuts, almonds and pistachios provide quick and easy snacks while on the run, which are also rich in fibre.”

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